Image processing file setting system

ABSTRACT

A system setting an image processing parameter in an imaging apparatus and an information processing apparatus, downloads a parameter file from an external apparatus, and sets in the imaging apparatus an image processing parameter included in the parameter file downloaded from the external apparatus. In the information processing apparatus, image data is processed using the image processing parameter included in the parameter file. Thus, the information processing apparatus and the imaging apparatus can perform image processing using an image processing parameter obtained from one downloaded parameter file.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to setting of image processing data whenimage data photographed by an imaging apparatus is processed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some imaging apparatuses, such as digital cameras, are provided withimage processing modes and photometric modes optimized for eachphotographed scene, such as a landscape photographing mode and aportrait photographing mode. For example, in the aforementionedlandscape photographing mode, image processing is carried out with colorreproduction such that the blue sky or green is more vividly reproduced,and in the portrait photographing mode, image processing is carried outwith color reproduction such that the skin color of a person is clearlyreproduced. By making a selection from these photographing modesprovided in the imaging apparatus, a user can obtain an image subjectedto processing optimized for each scene.

However, for such photographic processing modes, new modes areconstantly developed, and new types of imaging apparatuses based on thenew modes are sold. As a result, an imaging apparatus which has beenjust purchased soon becomes a functionally inferior, old-fashionedapparatus.

For solving the problem, a file (control program) for a new photographicprocessing mode is downloaded from a client server via a communicationline and set in an imaging apparatus as in, for example, Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open No. 2003-333417. For the imaging apparatusprovided with this function, the user downloads a file for a newphotographing mode and sets the file in the imaging apparatus afterpurchasing the imaging apparatus, whereby a photograph can easily betaken with an updated photographing mode.

Aside from the aforementioned technique, a configuration in which a RAWimage (raw data image output from an imaging device) photographed by animaging apparatus is developed on a personal computer by using adedicated development application. In the development of an image on thepersonal computer, a photographing mode such as a scene or portrait modecan be selected to develop an image in the same manner as in the imagingapparatus in some cases.

However, for the technique proposed in Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. 2003-333417, a file set in a digital camera is described,but setting of the file in the development application is not mentioned.Therefore, image processing according to a photographing mode set in adigital camera cannot be reproduced by development application software.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of the problem describedabove, and its object is to make an image processing parameterdownloaded from an external apparatus settable in both an imagingapparatus and a development application.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided asystem for setting a parameter for image processing in an imagingapparatus and an information processing apparatus, comprising: adownloading unit configured to download a parameter file from anexternal apparatus; a setting unit configured to set in the imagingapparatus an image processing parameter included in the parameter filedownloaded by the downloading unit; and a processing unit configured toprocess image data using the image processing parameter included in theparameter file in the information processing apparatus. The informationprocessing apparatus and the imaging apparatus are capable of performingimage processing using the image processing parameter obtained from oneparameter file downloaded by the downloading unit.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate thesame or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an image processing filesetting system in a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows an example of a data structure of an image processingparameter file in the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows an example of encoding and decoding of the image processingparameter file in the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a general configurationof an imaging apparatus 104 in the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a general configurationof a PC 101 in the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a functionalconfiguration of a development application in the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining processing of downloading the imageprocessing parameter file from a center server in the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining processing of a setting application101 b for setting the image processing parameter file in the imagingapparatus 104 in the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows an example of a specific display screen of the settingapplication 101 b in first and second embodiments;

FIG. 10 shows an example of an image style selection screen of thesetting application 101 b in the first and second embodiments;

FIG. 11 shows an example of a specific display screen of the settingapplication 101 b in the first and second embodiments;

FIG. 12 shows an example of an image processing parameter file selectionscreen by the setting application 101 b in the first and secondembodiments;

FIG. 13 shows a specific display screen of the setting application 101 bin the first and second embodiments;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a method for setting the image processingparameter file using a recording medium detachably attachable to theimaging apparatus 104 in the first embodiment;

FIG. 15A shows an example of a GUI (Graphical User Interface) menu ofthe imaging apparatus 104;

FIG. 15B shows an image style detailed setting screen of the GUI menu ofthe imaging apparatus 104;

FIG. 16 shows an example of display of a screen by a developmentapplication 101 a in the first and second embodiments;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a method for applying the imageprocessing parameter file to an image developed by the developmentapplication 101 a in the first embodiment;

FIG. 18 shows one example of an image processing parameter fileselection screen of the development application 101 a in the firstembodiment;

FIG. 19 shows an outline of an image processing file setting system inthe second embodiment;

FIG. 20 shows one example of a data structure of an image processingparameter file in the second embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a method for registering the imageprocessing parameter file in the imaging apparatus using applicationsoftware 101 b in the second embodiment;

FIG. 22 shows an example of an image processing parameter file selectionscreen of the setting application 101 b in the second embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a method for setting the image processingparameter file using a recording medium detachably attachable to theimaging apparatus 104 in the second embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a method for applying the imageprocessing parameter file to an image developed by the developmentapplication 101 a in the second embodiment;

FIG. 25 shows one example of a configuration of an image processingparameter file selection screen of the development application 101 a inthe second embodiment; and

FIG. 26 shows an outline of an image processing file setting system inanother embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described indetail in accordance with the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows an outline of an image processing parameter setting systemin a first embodiment.

In FIG. 1, a center server 103 is provided to be connectable to theinternet 102. A user can access the center server 103 by connecting ahome personal computer 101 (hereinafter referred to as PC) to theinternet 102 via a Web browser. A communication line, an internetprovider and the like are not shown in the figure. The PC 101 can beconnected to an imaging apparatus 104, such as a digital camera, througha communication cable, such as a USB. In this embodiment, the imagingapparatus 104 is denoted as an apparatus type A, but a different type ofimaging apparatus can be connected to the PC 101. As shown in FIG. 1, adevelopment application 101 a for developing a RAW image photographed bythe imaging apparatus 104 is installed in the PC 101.

An image processing parameter file, in which an image processingparameter settable in the imaging apparatus 104 and the developmentapplication 101 a is recorded, is recorded in the center server 103. Bysetting a parameter recorded in the image processing parameter file inthe imaging apparatus 104 and the development application 101 a, theuser can obtain an image processed (developed) with an image processingcharacteristic of the parameter.

For example, there is a “nostalgia mode” for nostalgically depicting aperson or a landscape by making the color generally light with only thesaturation of yellow intensified. Alternatively, there is an imageprocessing file corresponding to an image processing characteristic suchas a “clear mode” for forming an image of high contrast even if aphotograph is taken with white and hazy sky or sea in the background. Inthis embodiment, such an image processing characteristic is called an“image style”.

The image processing parameter file is prepared for each type of theimaging apparatus 104. For example, an image processing parameter file103 a for the nostalgia mode and an image processing parameter file 103c for the clear mode, which correspond to the imaging apparatus ofapparatus type A, are registered in the center server 103 shown inFIG. 1. Similarly, an image processing parameter file 103 b for thenostalgia mode and an image processing parameter file 103 d for theclear mode, which correspond to the imaging apparatus of apparatus typeB, are registered. Files corresponding to two types of imagingapparatuses are prepared in this embodiment, but the number of apparatustypes is not limited. For the type of image style, the nostalgia modeand the clear mode are prepared, but the number of types is not limited.

An image processing parameter file is newly developed, and added to thecenter server, whereby the user can download and use the new imageprocessing parameter. Thus, the user can carry out image processing byan updated image style on every occasion after purchasing the imagingapparatus.

Image processing parameter file setting application software 101 b(hereinafter referred to as setting application 101 b) for setting animage processing parameter file in the imaging apparatus 104 isinstalled in the PC 101. The setting application 101 b stores in the PC101 an image processing parameter file downloaded from the center server103, and registers in the imaging apparatus 104 an image style specifiedby the image processing parameter file.

Details of contents of the image processing parameter file will now bedescribed. FIG. 2 shows an example of a data configuration of the imageprocessing parameter file according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing parameter file includes ahigh-order matrix coefficient 201 for specifying image processing. Athree-dimensional LUT (lookup table) may be used in place of the matrixcoefficient. The setting of contents of image processing by thehigh-order matrix coefficient or the three-dimensional LUT will bedescribed later. In addition, the image processing parameter fileincludes an adjustment parameter 202 for finely adjusting the sharpness,the contrast, the color density, the color shade and the like in imageprocessing by the imaging apparatus 104 and the development application104 a. The contents of the adjustment parameter 202 can be changed bythe user as described later. The image processing parameter file alsoincludes copyright information 203 for certifying the copyright of theimage processing parameter file. In this copyright information 203, anID representing the name of a person or company having the copyright ofthe image processing parameter file is described. In addition, the imageprocessing parameter file includes a style name 204 such as “nostalgia”or “clear” and apparatus type information 205 of the correspondingimaging apparatus. The style name 204 is presented to the user as thename of a photographing mode.

Data involved in image processing, such as the high-order matrixcoefficient 201 and the adjustment parameter 202 for changing thesharpness, the contrast, the color density, the color shade and the likein the image processing parameter file is preferably encoded beforebeing prepared in the center server 103 so that the data is not easilymanipulated. The encoding is performed by, for example, the followingmethod. Data in the file is divided for every 4 bits and encoded. Datawhich can be taken before being encoded is 0 to F on a hexadecimalbasis, but a predetermined encoding constant is added thereto, and theresultant data is determined to be encoded data. Namely, data is encodedusing the equation (1) shown below.pre-encoding data+encoding constant=encoded data  (1)

Data encoded in the manner described above is decoded immediately beforeit is set in the imaging apparatus described later or used in thedevelopment application 101 a. Specifically, as shown in the followingequation (2), encoded data can be decoded by subtracting the encodingconstant from the data.encoded data−encoding constant=decoded data  (2)

FIG. 3 shows an example of the encoding and decoding when the encodingconstant is 5. However, the encoding constant is not limited to 5although it is 5 in this embodiment. In addition, data may be encoded bya method different from the encoding described above as a matter ofcourse. Part of the image processing parameter file (high-order matrixcoefficient 201, and adjustment parameter 202 in the example describedabove) is encoded in this embodiment, but the entire file may beencoded.

The configurations of the PC 101 and the imaging apparatus 104 capableof carrying out imaging processing using the aforementioned high-ordermatrix coefficient and adjustment parameter according to this embodimentwill now be described.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imagingapparatus (digital camera) according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 4,light which has passed a photographing lens 1 passes through an infraredcut filter 2 and an optical LPF 3 and is imaged onto an imaging device4. The imaging device 4 is a CCD and CMOS sensor or the like. Generally,sensors comprising photodiodes are two-dimensionally placed on the lightreceiving surface of the imaging device 4. For example, for a colorfilter in which primary color filters of R (red), G (green) and B (blue)are placed in a predetermined arrangement, one color is assigned to eachsensor. Alternatively, as many imaging devices 4 as primary colors maybe prepared so that each color is assigned to each imaging device.

Light imaged onto the imaging device 4 is converted into an amount ofelectric charge consistent with the amount of light incident on eachsensor. Signals generated by a timing generator 16 are supplied to ahorizontal driving driver 17 and a vertical driving driver 18. Thehorizontal driving driver 17 and the vertical driving driver 18 supplydrive signals to the imaging device 4 in accordance with signals fromthe timing generator 16. In accordance with the drive signals, electriccharges accumulated on the sensor from the imaging device 4 aretransmitted and sequentially converted into voltage signals.

Each converted voltage signal is sampled and gain-adjusted by acorrelated double sampling/gain adjusting portion 5 (hereinafterreferred to as CDS/AGC), and converted into a digital signal by an A/Dconverter 6. Image data converted into the digital signal by the A/Dconverter 6 is input to an image processing IC 7. In the imageprocessing IC 7, a WB circuit 7 a calculates data for white balance forthe input image data. The data for white balance and the image data arestored in a memory 8 on a temporary basis.

The image data stored in the memory 8 is input to the image processingIC 7 again, and the following three processes are carried out.

(1) Image data converted into a digital signal is directly subjected tolossless compression (reversible compression) in a reversiblecompressing portion 7 d, and sent to a CPU bus 10 as RAW data.

(2) Image data converted into a digital signal is changed into athumbnail image having a size smaller than the original image size bydown sampling such as thinning processing in a thumbnail generatingportion 7 c, and sent to the CPU bus 10. In thinning processing, RAWimage data is divided into a plurality of blocks, and the divided datais averaged in each block, whereby down sampling is performed.(3) An image to be subjected to JPEG compression is created. For thispurpose, an image processing portion 7 b of an imaging apparatus 104first subjects image data to image processing. Processing in the imageprocessing portion 7 b includes well known processing such as whitebalance processing, color interpolation, masking processing, gammaconversion and edge enhancement. At least part of an adjustmentparameter 202 acts on the image processing portion 7 b. Image dataoutput from the image processing portion 7 b is converted by athree-dimensional lattice point data table 7 e based on a high-ordermatrix coefficient 201. The converted image data is subjected to rasterblock conversion and subjected to JPEG compression in a JPEG compressionportion 7 f, and is sent to the CPU bus 10.

Hereinafter, the three-dimensional lattice point data table is referredto as a three-dimensional lookup table. In the three-dimensional lookuptable, color conversion processing is carried out, but the details ofcolor conversion processing using the three-dimensional lookup table arewell known, and therefore explanations thereof are not presented herein.By setting the three-dimensional lookup table, a desired color can beconverted into a desired color (e.g. the sky blue can be converted intoa desired blue color).

RAW data subjected to reversible compression and image data subjected toJPEG compression are each stored in a memory 9 by way of the CPU bus 10.A CPU 15 generates a RAW image file with a JPEG-compressed imageattached to RAW data stored in the memory 9. The JPEG-compressed imageis attached as data for preview of RAW data. The generated RAW imagefile is stored in an external memory 14 (e.g. a memory card such ascompact flash card (CF card)) detachably connected via an interface 13.

A communication I/F 20 is an interface for communicating with anexternal apparatus such as the PC 101, and is, for example, constitutedby a USB port. A display portion 21 is a liquid crystal panel, andperforms a function of presenting various kinds of operation menus, afunction of displaying photographed images, and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) function. An operation portion 22 includes operationswitches such as a shutter switch, a mode switch and a cross key.

A control program for performing the aforementioned processing by theCPU 15 is stored in the memory 8 or the memory 9.

The CPU 15 reads high-order matrix coefficients corresponding to aspecified photographing mode from high-order matrix coefficients storedin the memory 9 according to a procedure described later. Athree-dimensional lookup table 7 e is generated based on the readcoefficient.

For example, given that a matrix operation is carried out up to athird-order term using a high-order matrix coefficient set of m01 tom19,

$\begin{matrix}{{Red} = {{m\; 01 \times R} + {m\; 02 \times G} + {m\; 03 \times B} + {m\; 04 \times R \times R} + {m\; 05 \times G \times G} + {m\; 06 \times B \times B} + {m\; 07 \times R \times G} + {m\; 08 \times R \times B} + {m\; 09 \times G \times B} + {m\; 10 \times R \times R \times G} + {m\; 11 \times R \times R \times R} + {m\; 12 \times R \times R \times R} + {m\; 13 \times R \times G \times G} + {m\; 14 \times G \times G \times B} + {m\; 15 \times G \times G \times G} + {m\; 16 \times R \times B \times B} + {m\; 17 \times G \times B \times B} + {m\; 18 \times B \times B \times B} + {m\; 19 \times R \times G \times B}}} & (3)\end{matrix}$

Namely, using high-order matrix coefficients m01 to m19 corresponding tothe specified photographing mode, R, G and B values of lattice points ofthe three-dimensional lookup table 7 e are substituted into the equation(3) to determine Red values of the lattice points. Similarly, values ofGreen and Blue are determined for the lattice points. In this way,three-dimensional lattice point data is generated, and the generateddata is set in the three-dimensional lookup table 7 e. For example, ifeach of Red, Green and Blue can have a value of 0 to 255, R, G and Bvalues at 9×9×9 lattice points dividing each color into 8 parts aredetermined and set as the three-dimensional lookup table 7 e.

The CPU 15 acquires adjustment parameters corresponding to the specifiedphotographing mode from the memory 9 and sets the adjustment parameterin the image processing portion 7 b. By setting the three-dimensionallookup table 7 e and the image processing portion 7 b according to thehigh-order matrix and the adjustment parameter, image processingaccording to a desired image style is carried out.

The high-order matrix coefficient and the adjustment parameter in theimage processing parameter file as shown in FIG. 2 are set in the memory9 of the imaging apparatus 104 by the PC 101. In the memory 9, the stylename 204, and the high-order matrix coefficient 201 and the adjustmentparameter 202 are registered with the former matched with the latter.The high-order matrix coefficient 201 and the adjustment parameter 202corresponding to the specified photographing mode (style name) by theoperating portion 22 of the imaging apparatus 104 are read from thememory 9, and used for generating the three-dimensional lookup table 7 eand setting the image processing portion 7 b.

If lattice point data of the three-dimensional lookup table is stored inthe image processing parameter file instead of the high-order matrixcoefficient, the operation by the equation (3) is not necessary. Namely,lattice point data stored in the image processing parameter file maydirectly be used as data of the three-dimensional lookup table 7 e. Boththe high-order matrix coefficient and lattice point data of thethree-dimensional lookup table may be registered in the image processingparameter file.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a general configuration of the PC 101.A general personal computer may be used as the PC 101. In FIG. 5, a CPU501 executes a program held in a ROM 502 or a RAM 503 to perform eachprocessing. The ROM 502 stores a basic input/output system, a bootprogram and the like in an image processing apparatus. The RAM 503functions as a main memory of the CPU 501. The RAM 503 is loaded with aprogram installed in an external storage apparatus 504 for execution bythe CPU 501. A display 505 provides various kinds of displays undercontrol by the CPU 501. An input apparatus 506 consists of a keyboardand a pointing device. An interface 507 (hereinafter referred to as I/F507) makes, for example, the external memory 14 of the digital cameradetachably attachable, and can capture in the RAM 503 and the externalstorage apparatus 504 a RAW image file recorded in the external memory14. The I/F 507 includes an interface connected to the internet.Further, the I/F 507 includes an interface such as a USB port forachieving connection to the external apparatus, such as the imagingapparatus 104.

Various kinds of applications are installed in the external storageapparatus 504, and loaded into the RAM 507 when executed. The externalstorage apparatus 504 is generally a hard disk. Applications forprocessing the RAW image file generated by the digital camera describedabove will be described below.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of thedevelopment application 101 a executed by the PC 101. The RAW image filegenerated by the imaging apparatus 104 and the image processingparameter file downloaded from the center server 104 are stored in theexternal storage apparatus 504. A matrix acquiring portion 601 acquiresthe high-order matrix coefficient 201 from the image processingparameter file corresponding to a photographing mode (style name)specified by the user. An expanding portion 602 calculates valuescorresponding to lattice points of a three-dimensional lookup table 620(three-dimensional lattice point data) using a matrix coefficient setacquired by the matrix acquiring portion 601. Three-dimensional latticepoint data is set in the three-dimensional lookup table 620. Theexpanding portion 602 may generate 9×9×9 lattice point data from a setof 3×19 matrix coefficients as in the imaging apparatus 104. However,the CPU 501 of the PC 101 generally has an enhanced function, andtherefore a lookup table having 33×33×33 grids in which each latticepoint data includes three 2 bite (16 bit) values may be generated.

A RAW data acquiring portion 611 acquires RAW data from a RAW image fileto be processed. An image processing portion 612 subjects the acquiredRAW data to processing, such as white balance processing, colorinterpolation, masking processing, gamma conversion and edgeenhancement. Image processing using the three-dimensional lookup table620 is carried out to obtain a processed image 630. An adjustmentparameter acquiring portion 603 acquires adjustment parameters relatedto the sharpness, the contrast and the like from the image processingparameter file, and sets the acquired adjustment parameters in the imageprocessing portion 612. The processing intensity of edge enhancement andthe like in the image processing portion 612 are set according to theadjustment parameter. As is apparent from the explanation describedlater, apparatus type information of an imaging apparatus which hasgenerated the RAW image file is recorded in the RAW image file, andhigh-order matrix coefficients and adjustment parameters of the imageprocessing parameter file corresponding to the apparatus typeinformation are used.

In the configuration described above, the PC 101 takes out high-ordermatrix coefficients and adjustment parameters from image processingparameters downloaded from the center server 103, and sends them to theimaging apparatus 104. The imaging apparatus 104 receives high-ordermatrix coefficients and adjustment parameters from the PC 101 via thecommunication I/F 20 and stores them in the memory 9.

Processing of the PC 101 when downloading the image processing parameterfile from the center server 103 will now be described with reference tothe flowchart of FIG. 7.

First, for downloading the file, the PC 101 establishes a connection tothe internet 102 via the I/F 507 by a WEB browser and accesses an imageprocessing parameter file downloading WEB page (not shown) of the centerserver 103 (step S101). The PC 101 displays the WEB page of the centerserver 103 on the display 505 (step S102). When an image processingparameter file download button (not shown) prepared on the WEB page ispressed by a user, the PC 101 requests the center server 103 to downloadthe file. The center server 103, which has received the request fordownloading, requests apparatus type information of the imagingapparatus from the requesting PC 101. The PC 101 receives a request forapparatus type information of the imaging apparatus from the centerserver 103 (step S103).

The PC 101 which has received the request for apparatus type informationchecks whether the imaging apparatus 104 is connected to the PC 101(step S104), and if it is not connected, the PC 101 displays on thedisplay 505 a warning to connect an imaging apparatus (step S105). ThePC 101 waits until the imaging apparatus 104 is connected (step S104).

If it can be confirmed that the imaging apparatus is connected, the PC101 acquires apparatus type information of the connected imagingapparatus by communication with the connected imaging apparatus (stepS106). This embodiment is described based on the premise that theapparatus type A is connected, but the apparatus type is not limited tothe apparatus type A. When acquiring apparatus type information, the PC101 sends the acquired apparatus type information (apparatus type A inthis example) to the center server 104 (step S107).

The center server 103 sends to the PC 101 a file corresponding to thereceived apparatus type information (apparatus type A) among registeredimage processing parameter files. In FIG. 1, the image processingparameter file 103 a for the nostalgia mode and the image processingparameter file 103 c for the clear mode are sent to the PC 101. In thisway, the PC 101 receives (downloads) from the center server 103 an imageprocessing parameter file corresponding to the connected imagingapparatus (apparatus type A) (step S108). Thus, the image processingparameter file corresponding to the apparatus type of connected imagingapparatus is retrieved on the server side, and downloaded collectively.For the image processing parameter file, the file for the nostalgia modeand the file for the clear mode are shown as an example, but the imageprocessing parameter file is not limited thereto. The number of files isnot limited. Alternatively, only an image processing parameter file of aphotographing mode specified in the PC 101 may be downloaded.

The PC 101 records in the external storage apparatus 504, such as a harddisk, the image processing parameter file received from the centerserver 103 (step S109). In this way, processing of downloading the imageprocessing parameter file is completed.

Processing of setting the image processing parameter file in the imagingapparatus 104 by the setting application 101 b will now be describedusing the flowchart of FIG. 8.

First, when the communication I/F 20 and the I/F 507 of the imagingapparatus 104 are connected to the PC 101 via a communication cable suchas a USB cable, the setting application 101 b is started in the PC 101.The setting application 101 b may be started according to the detectionof a connection between the imaging apparatus 104 and the PC 101, or theuser may explicitly start the setting application 101 b.

The setting application 101 b first displays on the display 506 a styleselection screen for selecting an image processing parameter (stepS201). FIG. 9 shows an example of a specific display screen of the styleselection screen by the setting application 101 b.

In FIG. 9, a style selection box 901 is an interface for selecting astyle to be set in the imaging apparatus. FIG. 10 shows a situation ofstyle setting by the style selection box 901. By an operation on thestyle selection box 901, a pull-down list 1001 is displayed as shown inFIG. 10. For the style, modes called standard, portrait, landscape,neutral, strict setting and monochrome are prepared as standard presetmodes which can be selected. They are styles having mutually differentfeatures. Aside from these styles, there are user setting 1, usersetting 2 and user setting 3 as modes for registering data of the imageprocessing parameter file downloaded according to the proceduredescribed with FIG. 7. In this embodiment, three user settings areprepared, and different image processing modes can be registered for theuser settings. The number of user settings is not limited to “3”. Thecase where “user setting 1” is selected as shown in FIG. 10 will bedescribed below.

When any one of user settings 1 to 3 is selected (step S202), an areawhich is grayed out and incapable of being set as shown in a frame 902of FIG. 9 becomes settable as shown in FIG. 11. When an “open” button1101 of FIG. 11 is pressed in this state, the file selection screenshown in FIG. 12 is displayed.

In FIG. 12, three files: the image processing parameter file 103 a forthe nostalgia mode for apparatus type A, the image processing parameterfile 103 c for the clear mode for apparatus type A and the imageprocessing parameter file 103 d for the clear mode for apparatus type Bare displayed. The case where the image processing parameter file 103 afor the nostalgia mode is selected will be described.

When an “open” button 1201 is pressed after the image processingparameter file 103 a is selected, data of the image processing parameterfile 103 a is read from the external storage apparatus 504 (steps S202and S203). Next, the PC 101 checks whether apparatus type information205 included in the read data corresponds to the apparatus type of theimaging apparatus connected to the PC 101 (step S204). If the formerdoes not correspond to the latter, a warning indicating this fact isdisplayed on the display 505, and display returns to the file selectionscreen (step S205).

If it is determined that the apparatus type information corresponds theapparatus type of the imaging apparatus at step S204, the style name 204is extracted from the read data, and displayed on a box 1301 of FIG. 13(step S206).

In this embodiment, adjustment parameters for desirably adjusting thesharpness, the contrast, the color density, the color shade and the likecan be set together with high-order matrix coefficients when the styleis set. Thus, when the style is set in the imaging apparatus, theseparameters can be set from a user interface shown by reference numeral1302 in FIG. 13 (step S207). The sharpness may be set within the rangeof 0 to 7, and the contrast, the color density and the color shade maybe set within the range of −4 to +4.

When the settings described above are all completed, the user presses a“registration” button 1303 of FIG. 13. When depression of theregistration button 1303 is detected, the PC 101 decodes data in theimage processing parameter file as required as described previously withFIG. 3 (steps S208 and S209). The decoded data is transferred to theimaging apparatus 104 (step S210). In this example, the higher-ordermatrix coefficient 201, the adjustment parameter 202 and the style name204 are transferred to the imaging apparatus 104. In this embodiment,data is decoded in the PC 101, but data may be decoded in the imagingapparatus 104 after transferring data to the imaging apparatus 104.

The high-order matrix coefficient and the adjustment parametertransferred from the PC 101 in the manner described above are matchedwith the style name transferred at the same time, and stored in thememory 9. In this way, processing of registering the image processingparameter in the imaging apparatus 104 by the downloaded imagingprocessing parameter file is completed. In the imaging apparatus 104, asdescribed above, the three-dimensional lookup table 7 e is generated andset based on the high-order matrix coefficient corresponding to thespecified photographing mode (style name), and the adjustment parametercorresponding to the specified photographing mode is set in the imageprocessing portion 7 b.

The method for setting the image processing parameter file using thesetting application 101 b for setting the image processing parameter inthe imaging apparatus has been described above. A method for setting theimage processing parameter using a memory card (external memory 14),such as a CF card or a SD card, detachably attachable to the imagingapparatus 104 without using the setting application 101 b will bedescribed. In this embodiment, the CF card is used as the externalmemory 14 detachably attachable to the imaging apparatus 104. FIG. 14 isa flowchart explaining processing in which the imaging apparatusregisters style data from the image processing parameter file recordedin the CF card.

First, the user records in the CF card an image processing parameterfile desired to be set in the imaging apparatus 104 in advance, andattaches the CF card to the imaging apparatus 104. The recording of theimage processing parameter file in the CF card is performed by, forexample, recording in the CF card the image processing parameter fileacquired via the internet 102 from the center server 103 by the PC 101.

The imaging apparatus 104 has the display portion 21 such as a TFT, andvarious menus of a GUI (Graphical User Interface) can be displayed onthe display portion 21. Various settings for the imaging apparatus 104can be made using the operation portion 22 provided in the imagingapparatus 104. When detecting selection by a user of “imaging processingparameter file registration”, i.e., one of the GUI menus (step S301),the imaging apparatus 104 detects attachment of the CF card (step S302).When attachment of the CF card is detected, image processing parameterfiles are retrieved from the CF card (step S303). Data of all imageprocessing parameter files existing in the CF card is read, and recordedin the memory 9 in the imaging apparatus on a temporary basis (stepS304).

Next, the apparatus type information 205 and the file name 204 areextracted from the read data (step S305). Style names of imageprocessing parameter files for which the apparatus type of the imagingapparatus 104 and the read apparatus type information 205 coincides aredisplayed on a GUI screen (step S306). At this time, if no imageprocessing parameter file can be displayed, a warning of “a relevantimage processing parameter does not exist” is displayed on the displayportion 21, and the processing is ended.

The user can select a desired image style to be registered from thestyle names displayed on the GUI at step S306. The imaging apparatus 104detects the style selected by the user on the GUI (step S307). Theimaging apparatus 104 decodes data (high-order matrix coefficients andadjustment parameters) of an image processing parameter filecorresponding to the selected style name using the method describedpreviously with FIG. 3 (step S308). The decoded data is matched with thestyle name and recorded in the memory 9 in the imaging apparatus (step1209). Thus, image processing parameter file registration processing iscompleted.

The method for registering the image processing parameter file in theimaging apparatus has been described above. A method for using in theimaging apparatus the image style registered in FIG. 8 or FIG. 14described above will be described below.

FIG. 15A shows an example of a GUI menu presented on the display portion21 of the imaging apparatus 104. Reference numeral 1401 in FIG. 15Adenotes a style setting menu, where a mode of a style currently set isdisplayed. In FIG. 15A, “standard”, which is a style originally providedas a standard in the imaging apparatus, is currently selected. If astyle setting menu 1401 is selected, the screen is changed to a styledetailed setting screen shown in FIG. 15B. If “nostalgia” 1501registered in the item of the aforementioned user setting 1 is selectedfrom the style detailed setting screen and set, an image developed inthis style is output in subsequent photographing. Namely, an imageprocessed by the three-dimensional lookup table by high-order matrixcoefficients and adjustment parameters registered for this style isoutput. In the imaging apparatus, the image developed in a style set atthe time of taking a photograph is a JPEG-compressed image. In a headerof the JPEG-compressed image thus photographed, the style name and thelike set at the time of taking a photograph are stored.

Processing of setting an image processing parameter in the developmentapplication 101 a installed in the PC 101 will now be described. Thefunctional configuration of the development application 101 a is asdescribed above with FIG. 6. FIG. 16 shows one example of a userinterface presented on the display 505 by the development application101 a.

In FIG. 16, a list region 1601 is a region for displaying a list ofpreviously selected images to be subjected to development processing.FIG. 16 shows a situation in which one image is displayed on the region1601, but it is obvious that a plurality of images can be displayed.

An edit image display region 1602 is a region for displaying one imageselected from the list region 1601. The user performs edits such assetting of white balance and a style while viewing the image displayedon the edit image display region 1602.

A menu screen 1603 is a screen providing a menu for performing edits ofitems such as the exposure correction, the white balance, the imagestyle and the color space for the image displayed on the edit imagedisplay region 1602. Items changed using the menu screen 1603 arereflected in the image displayed on the edit image display region 1602immediately thereafter (subjected to development processing forpreview). Therefore, the user can perform edits of these items whilechecking the finished state of the image. In the development processingfor preview, processing taking much time, such as pseudo color reductionprocessing, is not carried out so that the speed is enhanced.

Reference numeral 1604 denotes a setting menu for digital exposurecorrection, which allows the brightness of the image to be freelychanged in steps of 0.1 stages within the range of −2 stage to +2 stage.Reference numeral 1605 denotes a menu for setting the white balance. InFIG. 16, the automatic mode is selected for white balance, butalternatively, various white valance modes such as sunlight, sun shadow,and tungsten may be selected. Reference numeral 1606 denotes a styleselection menu, which allows a desired style to be selected from, forexample, the aforementioned standard, portrait, landscape, neutral,strict setting, monochrome and user settings 1 to 3. Reference numeral1607 denotes an image processing parameter file selection button. Bypressing down this selection button 1607, the image processing parameterfile is reflected in the image. Detailed operations will be describedlater. Reference numeral 1608 is a menu for performing edits of thesharpness, contrast, color density and color shade of the image. Thesharpness can be set in 8 stages of 0 to 7, and other items can be setin 9 stages of −4 to +4. Reference numeral 1609 denotes a setting screenfor the color space, and in this example, sRGB or AdobeRGB can beselected.

The user interface of the development application 101 a has beendescribed above. A method for applying a downloaded image processingparameter file to an image which is developed by the developmentapplication 101 a will now be described using the flowchart of FIG. 17.

When the user selects an image desired to be edited from imagesdisplayed on the list region 1601, the development application 101 adisplays the selected image on the edit image display region 1602 (stepS401). The RAW image file in this embodiment includes RAW image data andJPEG image data obtained by subjecting the RAW image data todevelopment/JPEG compression, and in this stage, JPEG image data is usedfor displaying the image on the edit image display region 1602. Next,the user is made to select the image processing parameter file to beapplied (step S402). In this embodiment, when the image processingparameter file selection button 1607 is pressed, an image styleselection screen shown in FIG. 18 is displayed. In FIG. 18, three files:the image processing parameter file 103 a for nostalgia for apparatustype A, the image processing parameter file 103 c for clear forapparatus type A and the image processing parameter file 103 d for clearfor apparatus type B are displayed. The case where the image processingparameter file 103 c for clear for apparatus type A is selected will bedescribed below.

When the image processing parameter file 103 c is specified and an“open” button 1801 is pressed, the image processing parameter file 103 cis selected, and data of the file is read in the development application101 a (steps S402 and S403).

Apparatus type information 205 is acquired from the read data, andcompared with apparatus type information (apparatus type information ofthe imaging apparatus photographing the image) recorded in the RAW imagefile to be edited (step S404). As a result of this comparison, if theread image processing parameter file does not correspond to theapparatus type for the image to be edited, a warning indicating thisfact is displayed on the screen, and display returns to the fileselection screen (step S405).

If the image processing parameter corresponds to the apparatus type forthe image to be edited, the style name 204 is extracted from data of theimage processing parameter file, and the name is displayed on the menu1606 of FIG. 16 (step S406). Data (high-order matrix coefficient 201 andadjustment parameter 202) of the image processing parameter file isdecoded (step S407), and stored in the memory (RAM 53) of the PC 101(step S408). The matrix acquiring portion 601 (FIG. 6) acquires thedecoded high-order matrix coefficient in the manner described above. Theexpanding portion 602 generates data of lattice points of thethree-dimensional lookup table 620 from the acquired high-order matrixcoefficient. The adjustment parameter acquiring portion 603 sets theaforementioned decoded adjustment parameter on the image processingportion 612.

Next, using this data, the image to be edited, displayed on the editimage display region 1602, is edited, and preview display for checkingthe set edit result is provided (step S409). Edits of items such as theaforementioned digital exposure correction, the white balance, thesharpness, the contrast, the color density, the color shade and thecolor space are performed as required for the image in which the imageprocessing parameter file is thus reflected (step S410).

When edits of all items are completed, a final development processingmenu (not shown) is selected, and an image subjected to finaldevelopment processing is output to complete processing. In this finaldevelopment processing, processing taking much time, such as pseudocolor reduction processing, which is omitted in development processingfor preview, is carried out, and an image equivalent to that developedin the imaging apparatus 104 is output (step S411). Here, a warning isgiven if the parameter file specified by the user does not correspond tothe apparatus type, but a determination may be made on the PC side byapparatus type information read from the RAW image file in advance andonly a parameter file corresponding to the apparatus type may bedisplayed.

In the case of the development application, not only apparatus typeinformation of the imaging apparatus but also the correspondence betweenthe parameter file and the version information of the application may bedetermined. In this case, a setting is made if it is determined thatapparatus type information of the parameter file corresponds to versioninformation of the application.

Second Embodiment

In the first embodiment, the case of preparation of the image processingparameter file for each apparatus type has been described. In a secondembodiment, the case where the image processing parameter file is notdivided for each apparatus type, but is united will be described.

FIG. 19 shows an outline of an image processing file setting system inthe second embodiment according to the present invention.

In FIG. 19, the configuration of the image processing file settingsystem is similar to that shown in the first embodiment (FIG. 1). It isdifferent from the configuration in FIG. 1 in that image processingparameter files prepared in the center server 103 are not discriminatedfor each apparatus type. Reference numerals 1903 a and 1903 b denoteimage processing parameter files corresponding to the nostalgia mode andthe clear mode described in the first embodiment, respectively, but datafor a plurality of apparatus types is united. Namely, the user candownload the image processing parameter file without discriminating theapparatus type.

The details of contents of the image processing parameter file will nowbe described. FIG. 20 shows an example of a data structure of the imageprocessing parameter file according to the second embodiment. As shownin FIG. 20, the image processing parameter file includes high-ordermatrix coefficients 2001 for carrying out image processing correspondingto the apparatus type A of imaging apparatus. As in the firstembodiment, information of the three-dimensional LUT (lookup table) maybe stored instead of high-order matrix coefficients. The imageprocessing parameter file also includes adjustment parameters 2002corresponding to the apparatus type A and intended for finely adjustingimage processing, such as the sharpness, the contrast, the color densityand the color shade, in the imaging apparatus 104 and the developmentapplication 104 a. Apparatus type information 2003 shows that theaforementioned high-order matrix coefficient 2001 and adjustmentparameter 2002 correspond to the apparatus type A.

Similarly, the image processing parameter file also includes high-ordermatrix coefficients 2003 and adjustment parameters 2005 for finelyadjusting the sharpness, the contrast, the color density and the colorshade which correspond to the apparatus type B, and apparatus typeinformation 2006.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the configuration of the imageprocessing parameter file corresponding to two apparatus types: the typeA and the type B, but the type and number of apparatuses recorded in thefile are not limited. Each time an apparatus type is added, high-ordermatrix coefficients, and adjustment parameters for finely adjusting thesharpness, the contrast, the color density and the color shade areprepared for each apparatus type.

Further, in the image processing parameter file, copyright information2007 and style names 2008 are prepared as in the first embodiment.

As described in the first embodiment, parameters involved in imageprocessing, such as the high-order matrix coefficients 2001, 2004, andthe adjustment parameters 2002, 2005, in the image processing parameterfile of FIG. 20 are all encoded. For method for encoding and decoding,for example, methods shown in the first embodiment (FIG. 3), and thelike, are used. Of course, the entire image processing parameter filemay be encoded.

A method for registering in the imaging apparatus an image processingparameter file downloaded from the center server 103 to the PC 101 byviewing an image processing parameter file downloading Web page (notshown) by a WEB browser and storing the page, using the settingapplication 101 b will now be described using the flowchart of FIG. 21.

First, when the imaging apparatus 104 is connected to the PC 101 via acommunication cable such as a USB (communication I/F 20, I/F 507), thesetting application 101 b is started in the PC 101. The settingapplication 101 b first displays a style selection screen shown in FIG.9 (step S501). As described in the first embodiment (S202 and S203 inFIG. 8), the user can select a desired style by a user interface shownin FIGS. 9 to 11 (steps S502 and S503).

In the second embodiment, by pressing down the “open” button 1101 shownin FIG. 11, for example, a screen shown in FIG. 22 is displayed on thedisplay 505. In FIG. 22, two files: the image processing parameter file1903 a for nostalgia and the image processing parameter file 1903 b forclear are displayed. The case where the image processing parameter file1903 a for nostalgia is selected will be described below.

When the “open” button 2201 is pressed after the image processingparameter file 1903 a is selected, data of the image processingparameter file 1903 a is read in the PC 101 (step S503). Apparatus typeinformation 2003, 2006 is detected from the read data, and whetherapparatus type information corresponding to the apparatus type of theimaging apparatus 104 currently connected to the PC 101 exists ischecked (step S504). If corresponding apparatus type information doesnot exist, a warning indicating this fact is displayed on the screen,and the display returns to the selection screen (step S505).

If apparatus type information corresponding to the apparatus type ofcurrently connected imaging apparatus exists, the style name 2008 isextracted from the read data, and the name (style names) is displayed onthe screen as shown with reference numeral 1301 in FIG. 13 (step S506).

Subsequently, processing at steps S507 to S510 is carried out accordingto operation and processing procedures similar to those of the firstembodiment (S207 to S210 in FIG. 8). In this way, data (high-ordermatrix coefficients, adjustment parameters and style name) based on theimage processing parameter file is registered in the imaging apparatus104. However, data decoded and transferred at steps S509 and S510 isdata corresponding to the apparatus type of the connected imagingapparatus 104, of the selected image processing parameter file.

A method for setting the image processing parameter file using arecording medium (external memory 14) detachably attachable to theimaging apparatus 104, such as a CF card or a SD card without using thesetting application 101 b will now be described with the flowchart ofFIG. 23. In this embodiment, a CF card is used as the external memory14.

Processing at steps S601 to S603 is similar to processing at steps S301to S303 in the first embodiment. When the image processing parameterfile is retrieved from the CF card at step S603, all pieces of apparatustype information recorded in the image processing parameter file areextracted (step S604). For example, in the case of the dataconfiguration shown in FIG. 20, apparatus type information 2003, 2006 isextracted. Whether information corresponding to the imaging apparatus104 exists in the extracted apparatus type information is determined. Ifcorresponding information exists, high-order matrix coefficients andadjustment parameters corresponding to the apparatus type, and thecopyright information and style name of the image processing parameterfile are recorded in the memory 9 of the imaging apparatus 104 on atemporary basis (step S605).

Whether all image processing parameter files in the attached CF cardhave been detected is checked, and if other image processing parameterfiles exist in the CF card, processing returns to step S603, where theaforementioned processing is repeated (step S606). If it is determinedthat all the files have been detected, processing proceeds to step S607.

At step S607, whether one or more image processing parameter fileincluding data corresponding to the imaging apparatus 104 has beendetected is checked (step S607). If no such files have been detected, adisplay indicating that an image processing parameter file includingdata corresponding to the imaging apparatus 104 does not exist in theattached CF card is provided on the display portion 21 as a warning(step S608).

If one or more image processing parameter file is detected, all stylenames recorded in the memory 9 on a temporary basis at step S605 aredisplayed on the GUI (step S609). Subsequently, at steps S610 to S612,parameters are registered in the imaging apparatus 104 as the userselects an image style desired to be registered in the imaging apparatusfrom the menu on the GUI. Processing at steps S610 to S612 is similar tosteps S307 to S309 described in the first embodiment.

The method for registering the image processing parameter file in theimaging apparatus according to the second embodiment has been describedabove. The method for using the registered image style in the imagingapparatus is similar to that of the first embodiment, and therefore thedescription thereof is not presented.

A method for applying the aforementioned downloaded image processingparameter file to an image developed by the development applicationsoftware 101 a will now be described using the flowchart of FIG. 24.However, the functional configuration of the development application 101a installed in the PC 101 is similar to that of the first embodiment(FIG. 6), and therefore the description thereof is not presented.Processing at steps S701 to S711 shown in FIG. 24 is substantiallysimilar to processing at steps S401 to S411 described in the firstembodiment (FIG. 17), and therefore the processing will be described fordifferent points below.

At step S702, when the image processing parameter file selection button1607 at the user interface shown in FIG. 16 is pressed, a selectionscreen for the image style shown in FIG. 25 is displayed. In the exampleof FIG. 25, two image processing parameter files: an image processingparameter file 1703 a for nostalgia and an image processing parameterfile 1703 b for clear are displayed.

At step S704, all pieces of apparatus type information (apparatus typeinformation 2003 and 2006 in the example of FIG. 20) are acquired fromthe image processing parameter file read by pressing an “open” button2501, and compared with apparatus type information for an image to beedited (step 2204). At this time, if apparatus type informationcorresponding to the image to be edited does not exist in apparatus typeinformation of the read image processing parameter file, a warningindicating the fact is displayed on the display 505, and display returnsto the file selection screen (step S705). If apparatus type informationcorresponding to the image to be edited exists, the style name 2008 isextracted from data of the image processing parameter file, and the nameis displayed on the menu 1606 of FIG. 16 (step S706). Subsequentprocessing is similar to that in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the aforementioned embodiments, thefollowing advantages are obtained.

(1) One image processing parameter file downloaded can be applied toboth the imaging apparatus and development application software.

(2) By applying the same image processing parameter files downloaded tothe imaging apparatus and development application software, images canbe processed with same image processing characteristics in the imagingapparatus and the development application software.(3) By using a three-dimensional LUT (lookup table) and high-ordermatrix data which is a base of the three-dimensional LUT, imageprocessing with a high degree of freedom for color reproducibility canbe carried out.(4) Items such as the sharpness, the contrast, the color shade and thecolor density can be adjusted and registered in the imaging apparatus.Therefore, a desired parameter can be selected from a plurality ofpatterns having different adjustment specifics in the imaging apparatusor the development application.(5) Since copyright information is added to the image processingparameter file, the copyright of the file can be certified. Since thename of the image processing mode (style name) is added, the name of theimage processing mode (style name) can be displayed in the imagingapparatus and the development application when the parameter is set. Byadding apparatus type information of the imaging apparatus correspondingto the image processing parameter file, the corresponding apparatus typeof the imaging apparatus can be identified.(6) By encoding data of the image processing parameter file, thecontents of the image processing file can be prevented from beingmanipulated indiscreetly.(7) Images can be developed with the contrast, the sharpness, the colorshade, the color density and the like changed in the imaging apparatusand the development application in which the image processing parameterfile is set.(8) Since the apparatus type of the imaging apparatus is automaticallyidentified and downloaded, the user is saved from identifying theapparatus type when downloading the file. When the image processing fileis set in the imaging apparatus, a wrong operation of setting a filewhich does not correspond to the imaging apparatus as an imageprocessing file can be prevented.(10) When the image processing parameter file is set in the developmentapplication software, whether the imaging apparatus used inphotographing of an image to be edited and the apparatus type for theimage processing parameter file coincide is determined. Therefore, awrong operation of setting a file which does not correspond to theapparatus type used in photographing of an image to be processed bydevelopment application software can be prevented.(11) According to the second embodiment, the image processing file isnot divided for each apparatus type, but is united, and therefore whenthe user downloads the file, it is not necessary to consider thecorresponding apparatus type, thus improving the operability.

Other Embodiments

In the embodiments described above, the method in which an imageprocessing parameter file is downloaded from a server using a Webbrowser in a PC, and set in an imaging apparatus from a hard disk in thePC, and the method in which the downloaded parameter file is stored inan external memory such as a CF card, and the external memory isattached to the imaging apparatus to set the image parameter file havebeen described.

As another embodiment, the setting application 101 b may have a Webbrowser function, whereby the imaging apparatus is connected to the PCto download from the server the image parameter file to the RAM 53 inthe imaging apparatus using the setting application, and the extractedparameter is set in the imaging apparatus. Thus, the setting application101 starting when connecting the imaging apparatus to the PC has a Webbrowser function, whereby with one setting application, the downloadingof the image parameter file and the setting of the image parameter inthe imaging apparatus and the development application can collectivelybe performed.

As shown in FIG. 26, the imaging apparatus may have a wireless LANconnection function in itself, and directly access the server, wherebythe image processing parameter file is downloaded and set in the imagingapparatus. For identification of the apparatus type, the apparatus typemay be identified on the server by switching the imaging apparatus to anetwork communication mode and sending apparatus type information of theimaging apparatus itself to the server. The downloading applicationstored in the imaging apparatus is started, and the image parameter fileis downloaded according to the result of identification. Then, theencoded downloaded file is decoded on the imaging apparatus toautomatically set the image parameter file.

In the embodiments described above, only a configuration in which theadjustment parameter 202 is changed in the PC 101 has been described,but the adjustment parameter may be changed in the same manner in theimaging apparatus 104. In this case, various kinds of parametersdescribed with FIG. 9 and the like are adjusted using the displayportion 21 and the operation portion 22 provided in the imagingapparatus 104, but specific examples and the like of the user interfaceare obvious to a person skilled in the art, and therefore thedescription thereof is not presented.

The embodiments have been described in detail above, but the presentinvention can take an implementation as, for example, a system, anapparatus, a method, a program, a storage medium or the like.Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a systemconsisting of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatusconsisting of one device.

The present invention includes the case where a program of software isdelivered to a system or apparatus directly or remotely, and a computerof the system or apparatus reads and executes the delivered program codeto achieve the function of the embodiment described above. In this case,the program which is delivered is a program corresponding to theflowchart shown in the figure in the embodiment.

Thus, for implementing the functional processing of the presentinvention with a computer, a program code itself installed in thecomputer also implements the present invention. Namely, the presentinvention also includes a computer program itself for implementing thefunctional processing of the present invention.

In this case, the computer program may a form of an object code, aprogram executed by an interpreter, script data delivered to the OS, orthe like as long as it has a function of a program.

Recording media for delivering the program include the following media.They are, for example, Floppy® disks, hard disks, optical disks,magneto-optical disks, MOs, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, magnetic tapes,nonvolatile memory cards, ROMs, DVDs (DVD-ROMs and DVD-Rs) and the like.

As another method for delivering a program, connection to a home page inan internet is established using a browser of a client computer, and thecomputer program of the present invention is downloaded to a recordingmedium such as a hard disk from the home page. In this case, the programwhich is downloaded may be a file compressed and including an automaticinstallation function. The functional processing can also be implementedby dividing the program code constituting the program of the presentinvention into a plurality of files, and downloading the files fromdifferent home pages. Namely, a WWW server allowing a plurality of usersto download a program file for implementing the functional processing ofthe present invention with a computer is also included in the presentinvention.

In addition, the program of the present invention may be encoded, storedin a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, and distributed to the user. Inthis case, a user who has satisfied predetermined conditions may be madeto download key information for recovering encodes from a home page viaan internet, use the key information to execute an encoded program, andinstall the program in a computer.

Not only the function of the embodiment described above may beimplemented by the read program being executed by the computer, but alsothe function of the embodiment may be implemented in cooperation withthe OS or the like operating on the computer based on instructions fromthe program. In this case, the OS or the like performs part or all ofactual processing, by which the function of the embodiment describedabove is implemented.

Further, the program read from the recording medium may be written ontoa memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computeror a function expansion unit connected to the computer to implement partor all of the function of the embodiment described above. In this case,after the program is written onto the function expansion board or thefunction expansion unit, a CPU or the like provided in the functionexpansion board or the function expansion unit carries out part or allof actual processing based on instructions from the program.

According to the present invention, an image processing parameterdownloaded from an external apparatus can be set in both of an imagingapparatus and a development application.

As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present inventioncan be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited to the specificembodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims.

1. A system for setting a parameter for image processing in an imagingapparatus and an information processing apparatus different from saidimaging apparatus, comprising: a downloading unit configured to downloada parameter file that corresponds to the apparatus type of said imagingapparatus from an external apparatus that is different from saidinformation processing apparatus and said imaging apparatus when saidimaging apparatus and said information processing apparatus are linked;a setting unit configured to set an image processing parameter for saidimaging apparatus, which is included in said parameter file downloadedby said downloading unit; a first processing unit configured to processimage data at said imaging apparatus using the image processingparameter set by said setting unit, a second processing unit configuredto process image data at said information processing apparatus using theimage processing parameter downloaded by said downloading unit, aninstructing unit configured to instruct said setting unit to set animage processing parameter; and a determining unit configured todetermine whether the image processing parameter instructed to be set bysaid instructing unit corresponds to the apparatus type of said imagingapparatus linked with said information processing apparatus, whereinwhen said determining unit determines that the image processingparameter corresponds to the apparatus type of said imaging apparatuslinked with said information processing apparatus, said setting unitoperates, and wherein said first and said second processing unitsperform equivalent processing of an image using the image processingparameter obtained from one parameter file downloaded by saiddownloading unit.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein saidparameter file includes at least any of a three-dimensional lookup tableand a high-order matrix coefficient for generating the three-dimensionallookup table as said image processing parameter.
 3. The system accordingto claim 2, wherein said parameter file further includes a variableparameter for adjusting at least any of a sharpness, a contrast, a colorshade and a color density, and the system further comprises anadjustment unit configured to provide a user interface for allowing auser to adjust said variable parameter in said information processingapparatus.
 4. The system according to claim 3, wherein said setting unitsets in said imaging apparatus the variable parameter adjusted by saidadjustment unit.
 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein saidparameter file includes an image processing parameter corresponding toone apparatus type and apparatus type information showing the apparatustype, and said setting unit sets the image processing parameter in saidimaging apparatus if the apparatus type information of said selectedparameter file corresponds to said imaging apparatus, and said settingunit does not set the image processing parameter but outputs a warningif the apparatus type information of said selected parameter file doesnot correspond to said imaging apparatus.
 6. The system according toclaim 1, wherein said parameter file includes a plurality of sets ofapparatus type information and image processing parameters; and saidsetting unit extracts an image processing parameter corresponding toapparatus type information corresponding to said imaging apparatus fromsaid selected parameter file and sets the extracted image processingparameter in said imaging apparatus.
 7. The system according to claim 6,wherein said setting unit does not set the image processing parameterbut outputs a warning if said selected parameter file does not includeapparatus type information corresponding to said imaging apparatus. 8.The system according to claim 1, wherein said setting unit sets saidimage processing parameter in said imaging apparatus via a communicationunit configured to connect said information processing apparatus andsaid imaging apparatus such that they can communicate with each other.9. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unitconfigured to store said parameter file downloaded by said downloadingunit in a storage medium detachably attachable to said imagingapparatus, wherein said setting unit performs a setting operation viasaid storage unit.
 10. The system according to claim 1, furthercomprising a storage unit configured to store said parameter filedownloaded by said downloading unit in a storage medium included in saidimaging apparatus, wherein said setting unit performs a settingoperation via said storage unit.
 11. The system according to claim 1,further comprising a storage unit configured to store said parameterfile downloaded by said downloading unit in a storage medium in saidinformation processing apparatus, wherein said setting unit performs asetting operation via said storage unit.
 12. A parameter setting methodin a system setting an image processing parameter in an imagingapparatus and an information processing apparatus different from saidimaging apparatus, comprising: a downloading step of downloading aparameter file that corresponds to the apparatus type of said imagingapparatus from an external apparatus that is different from theinformation processing apparatus and the imaging apparatus when saidimaging apparatus and said information processing apparatus are linked;a setting step of setting an image processing parameter for the imagingapparatus, which is included in the parameter file downloaded in saiddownloading step; a first processing step of processing image data atsaid imaging apparatus using the image processing parameter set in saidsetting step; a second processing step of processing image data at saidinformation processing apparatus using the image processing parameterdownloaded in said downloading step; an instructing step of instructingthe setting of an image processing parameter; and a determining step ofdetermining whether the image processing parameter instructed to be setin said instructing step corresponds to the apparatus type of saidimaging apparatus linked with said information processing apparatus,wherein when said determining step determines that the image processingparameter corresponds to the apparatus type of said imaging apparatuslinked with said information processing apparatus, said setting stepoperates, wherein in said first and said second processing steps,equivalent processing of an image is performed using the imageprocessing parameter obtained from one parameter file downloaded in saiddownloading step.
 13. A control program stored on a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium for making a computer execute the parametersetting method set forth in claim
 12. 14. A non-transitory computerreadable medium storing the control program set forth in claim 13.